Just a little break in our regular programming as today is the Fête de la Musique in France! All across the country–from the swarms of wandering millions pulsing the streets of Paris to a single accordion player in the tiniest country village–there will be notes filling the air and dancing to go with them. Perhaps I write about this every year but it never ceases to amaze me. It is the France that we all dream of, where culture is what rings in the first day of summer.
And so I want to share a bit of music with you! First above, the song of the martinets flying outside my window this morning at 7 am, making their last swoops and swirls before the heat kicks in. And below, what I will be listening to for the next few months: “Mira” one of the tracks off of the new album The Absence from one of my favorite artists, Melody Gardot. The video celebrates all of the joy and exuberance of the season ahead…
Vive l’été et vive la musique!
Thanks to all of you truly amazing ladies–and you all are!–for all of your responses and support and interest!!! Wishing you all a phenomenal weekend…I appreciate all that you write, merci!!!
Wonderful tradition Heather! Can only imagine…
Beautiful "Mira" video. Melody Gardot is a courageous and very talented girl. She is immensely popular on our main jazz radio station. And because she sings in French a lot I first thought she is from Quebec. Love her too, she is very special and unique. The name Melody suits her so perfectly. Thank you.
Natalie
Heather,
I didn't know about this tradition. How wonderful, joyous and, and civilized! I love the way you captured the martinets outside your window. I can't tell you how many hours (okay minutes) I have spent out on my back deck trying to capture some of "our" birds on video. Not so easy, my friend!
And then thank you for introducing me to Melody Gardot. Her music is hot, spicy, and cool all at the same time.
I'm a day late (and hopefully not a Euro short!) – but this is delightful. I'm trying to remember if I've ever experienced this in my assorted stays and visits… I don't think so!
What a wonderful tradition! The bird sounds so sweet and the music is beautiful. I'm leaving for Paris next week .. so sadly I will miss this. Thank you for sharing the experience!
leslie
OMG, I do hope all of my girlfriends living in France can take time to meet Francine. I haven't met her either, but I know she is one of the most wonderful women in the world, brilliant, charming, talented, adventurous and sweet. And, since no one comes to Texas to meet their friends it is up to us to travel the world to see them. Of course !!
Divine! what a delight!
Bonsoir Heather! I am staying in the Latin Quarter with a girlfriend tonight. Music is at every street corner! I had forgotten how much fun la Fête de la Musique was… So glad I happen to be in Paris on the right day this year. Off to Nice and the French Riviera tomorrow. Can't wait! Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)
What a wonderful way to start the summer. I enjoyed the music of Melody Gardot and the song of the birds.
Karena, as I suggested to our friend Helen, if you don't know her, please listen to the rest, she is amazing!!! Wonderful music to create to, no matter what the form.
Bisous!
Jenny, this is the 31st edition and it has since spread all over–isn't that something? I just got back from walking Ben and there is SO much festivity in the air!
Helen, I really think that you will love the album and if you don't know her previous "My One and Only Thrill" please give it a listen–it is the autumn/winter counterpoint to this new work and is positively haunting!
Adore Mira!! So ethereal yet upbeat; that voice!! Heather Traditions are wonderful in my book!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
2012 Artist Series!
I love finding new traditions. This is lovely.
Hello Heather
This is truly a beautiful tradition. I love it. I also love and am off to try and purchase "The Absence". The track Mira has such a beautiful summer feel and will be my summer song for 2012.
Thank you for the introduction and uplifting post.
Helen xx
Ooh, hope it clears up for you! Al fresco Thai with music is too good to miss out on!
Thought you would like that tune… 🙂
Yay, music day, think we are headed for Bagneres-de-Bigorre this evening to our local Thai restaurant, was hoping to eat al fresco and take in the music but the weather has closed in and I feel a huge storm is approaching, still it may be beautiful again by this evening!
I love the first clip, the music of birdsong outside your window and I adore that Melody Gardot track, both the song and the video…gorgeous.
XXX
You're welcome Linda! But be warned, that song will get stuck in your head. 🙂 Good to hear from you…
Oh good Clare, glad you like it–I owe you one after the inspiration of Kirsty Mitchell–I still can't get OVER her work!
Beautifully said Heather. Isn't it true?
Hello Heather,
How lovely! What a great way to wake up – with my coffee – and "Mira". Thanks so much for that.
This song is wonderful!
~ Clare x
Melody is pure joy if the world could all be like that all the time!
Oh yay! Remi reminded me that it has spread to 120 countries now–but of course he made the point that it did start in France–proud Frenchman! I will imagine you both sitting at a café somewhere with a glass of wine, taking in the tunes…
Thanks Sister–wish you and your honey were here TODAY for it!
Hopefully we will finally meet then!
Hello Heather:
In Budapest too…European Music Day!! No idea what or where [typically Hungarian] but Music in abundance there will surely be. What fun to be united in Music across Europe, makes a change from bailout talks!!!
Ooo – what a beautiful song (Mira)! And I can't wait to hear the lovely birds, and see my lovely sister, in person in a week and a half!!!!! Enjoy the festival!
How wish I were in provence right now, not in the subways of New York.
Will be back in September though…